Condolence: Our hearts ache for you Bob. We have just learned of Billie's passing and are so sorry for your loss.

So many wonderful shared smiles, looks and laughs through the years and that was just during the church service!

Martine, she was a mother to us all. So loving and kind and incredibly proud of you and of course all who knew your mom, knew the sun rose and set on your son.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this season we all associate with the Visny family.

Condolence: To The Family & Friends Of Billies, I was very sadden to hear of her passing. She was a
great person. We go way back to the 1950's when we worked together at the dentist. She was a pleasure to work with.We did reconnect but its been awhile. Im sure she will be greatly missed by all. May she rest in peace and may peace be with you. Sincerely, Pat & Family

Condolence: Bob and family. I am sorry to learn of Billie's death. She was a true friend and advocate for the Tree Farm and the many other activities you and she were involved in.

John

Condolence: She was known by many names: Mr. Visny’s wife, Wilma, Billie, Mom, Gram. Each name signifies a different role she played, and she loved them all.

I want to reminisce about the two names I knew her by. First, let’s talk about Billie. The mentor, the friend. She was always willing to listen, no matter what was troubling you. She certainly made sure the work crew was taken care of during the Christmas season. Were you warm enough? Were you thirsty? You had to be sure you piled your plate at lunch or you would be questioned about the fullness of your stomach. It didn't matter if she was feeling under the weather or not, her “kids” came first.

In 2009, at least for my family, Billie morphed in to Gram. Though at the time, I didn't know that. I remember the way her eyes lit up when we first brought Ray to see her. The love that she had shined so brightly it could have lit the whole room. However it wasn't until a few years later that I understood the relationship had changed. We were once again up at the farm. Ray was older and I was “introducing” him to Billie and Bob. It was not one of my finer moments because I stumbled over their names. I hadn't thought about what Ray should call them. Should it be Mr. and Mrs. Visny? That seemed too formal and didn't quite roll off my tongue. Billie and Bob certainly didn't feel right, as I wanted Ray to show them the respect they deserved. As my tongue and mouth were tied up arguing with my brain about what name to use, I felt a gentle but firm hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Billie smiling at me. In a very soft voice, she says “It’s Gram.” She then turns to Ray and takes over the introductions I was having so much trouble with. “Hi Raymond. I'm Gram and this is Pop. It is very nice to meet you. Are you going for a walk up on the hill today?” And just like that, another generation was taken into the fold of the Hickory Ridge family.

I wasn't sure how to end this, as this is certainly not an end. It is only the beginning of another adventure. So, I hunted the internet. While the words are not mine, it certainly conveys the sentiment I have about Billie:

I give you this one thought to keep -
I am with you still - I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the sweet uplifting rush,
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not think of me as gone -
I am with you still in each new dawn.

In the words of a very special family, Ta Ta for now, Billie.

Love,
Ellen